Fisheries opens amberfish sea cucumber export under 10.95-tonne quota

The Ministry of Fisheries on Sunday opened the export quota for amberfish sea cucumber, allowing a total of 10.95 tonnes to be exported over a 12-month period.

Amberfish (Thelenota anax) is a large sea cucumber species found on sandy coastal areas of the Maldives. The quota applies to dried amberfish, and export permits will be issued from Sunday until September 19, 2027.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, permits will be issued only to individuals and companies licensed to purchase and export sea cucumber, and who have been allocated quotas. The ministry said permits will be granted strictly under the established rules to ensure that trade in amberfish sea cucumber remains controlled and within sustainable limits.

Amberfish was listed under Appendix II of the CITES Convention at the 19th Conference of the Parties (COP19) held in November 2022. Following its inclusion, an 18-month preparation period was provided. From May 25, 2024, export of amberfish requires a permit issued by the CITES Management Authority of the exporting country.

Under CITES regulations, species listed in Appendix II can only be exported after confirming that trade will not harm the species’ population. The Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), the national Scientific Authority, has completed a Non-Detrimental Finding (NDF) for the amberfish fishery. Based on this NDF, the allowable export quantity and related conditions were determined and shared with the Fisheries Ministry.

The ministry said the quota system will help protect the Maldives’ amberfish population while enabling regulated, sustainable trade.